Shirley M. Harris

Shirley Mae Harris was born to the late Kluttz Wilks and Florence Chisholm Wilks on August 8, 1941 in Chester, South Carolina. She departed this life on July 15, 2015 following a recent illness. Shirley received her education in the Baltimore City Public Schools, graduating from Carver Vocational High School in the Trade of Cosmetology. Upon completion of high school, she was licensed as a Cosmetologist and began her apprenticeship. Soon after, Shirley became an entrepreneur by purchasing her own salon: Shirley's Gateway to Beauty. Shirley went on to receive a Doctorate of Cosmetology from the National Beauty Culture League INC University. She also received many awards in her field and is respectively known as Doctor Shirley Harris. Dr. Shirley Harris served in her profession both as a State Board Examiner and an Educator in the field of Cosmetology. On January 26, 1964, Shirley was united in Holy Matrimony to Robert Mosley Harris, also of Baltimore, Maryland and from this union, two sons were born, Robert Harris Jr. (Bobby), and Jace Harris. Early in age, Shirley accepted Jesus the Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. She later joined Brown's Memorial Baptist Church where she served until joining her brother in organizing the First John Tabernacle Baptist Church. Shirley was very active at First John, serving as a member of the Willing Worker's, Inspirational Choir and the Combine Choir. Shirley also served as the Church Clerk. Shirley was known for her lively, friendly and fun loving personality. She was loving, encouraging, gracious and always ready to give when a need arose among a friend or family member. Shirley was a member of several church, social and professional organizations. She enjoyed music and learned to play the piano and keyboard. She loved to showcase her talent and played at many recitals. Shirley leaves to remember and treasure the many happy moments spent with her: sons, Bobby and Jace: Daughters-in-law, Debra and Kiviette; her mother, Florence Wilks; her sisters, Lillie Grier, Dr. Doris Loftin, and Wilhelmenia Green (who preceded her to glory); brothers, Rev. Dr. Kluttz Chisholm Wilks and Rev. Dr. Bernard Wilks; brothers-in-law, Apostle Calvin Grier and Rev. Dr. Timothy Loftin; sisters-in-law, Jesse Wilks and Annette Wilks (who preceded her to glory); uncle, James Chisholm; eight grandchildren; eight great-grand children; devoted friends, June and Liz (Barnes); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Shirley M. Harris

August 8, 1941 - July 15, 2015